What Happened to Chicago Bulls?
The Chicago Bulls, an iconic NBA franchise, have entered a significant rebuilding phase following several seasons of mediocrity and missed playoff appearances. After dismantling their veteran core at the 2026 trade deadline and undergoing a complete overhaul of their front office and coaching staff, the team is now focused on developing young talent and leveraging high draft picks to forge a new competitive identity.
Quick Answer
The Chicago Bulls are currently in a comprehensive rebuilding phase as of June 2026. Following a 31-51 record in the 2025-26 season and missing the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year, the team fired its top executives, Artūras Karnišovas and Marc Eversley, and head coach Billy Donovan stepped down. The Bulls have since hired a new front office, are actively searching for a new head coach, and possess the No. 4 pick in the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft, aiming to build a future around young talent.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso Depart
The Chicago Bulls parted ways with veteran players DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso as part of initial roster changes.
Zach LaVine Traded
Guard Zach LaVine was traded to the Sacramento Kings as part of a three-team deal, marking a significant move in the team's roster adjustments.
Championship Banners Damaged
The Chicago Bulls' championship banners at the United Center were damaged by pyrotechnics during a Disturbed concert, leading to their temporary removal for restoration.
Eliminated from Play-In Tournament
The Bulls finished the 2024-25 season with a 39-43 record and were eliminated from playoff contention after losing to the Miami Heat in the first stage of the play-in tournament.
Strong Start Followed by Losing Streak
The 2025-26 season began with a promising 5-0 record, the best start since 1996-97, but this was quickly followed by a seven-game losing streak through November and December.
Derrick Rose's Jersey Retired
The Bulls officially retired Derrick Rose's jersey number 1 immediately after their game against the Boston Celtics.
Franchise-Record Losing Streak and Veteran Core Dismantled
The team endured an 11-game losing streak, setting a franchise record for most losses in a winless month. At the trade deadline, the Bulls completed a league-high seven trades, moving Coby White, Nikola Vučević, Ayo Dosunmu, and others to acquire new talent and draft picks.
Eliminated from Playoff Contention
Following a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Bulls were eliminated from playoff contention for the fourth consecutive season, finishing the 2025-26 season with a 31-51 record.
Jaden Ivey Waived
Jaden Ivey, acquired in a February trade, was waived due to "conduct detrimental to the team" following criticism about the NBA's Pride Month activities.
Front Office Firings
Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Artūras Karnišovas and General Manager Marc Eversley were fired, signaling a major organizational change.
Billy Donovan Steps Down as Head Coach
Head Coach Billy Donovan stepped down from his position, concluding his tenure with the team.
New Front Office Hires
Stephen Mervis was hired as the new Senior Vice President of Basketball Operations and Acie Law IV as the new Vice President of Player Personnel.
2026 NBA Draft Lottery Results
The Bulls' original first-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft moved up to the No. 4 spot in the draft lottery.
Head Coaching Finalists Emerge
Reports indicate that current assistant Wes Unseld Jr., along with Chris Quinn and Micah Nori, are emerging as finalists for the vacant head coaching position.
Exploring Trade Up for No. 1 Draft Pick
The Chicago Bulls are reportedly exploring options to trade up from their No. 4 pick to secure the No. 1 overall selection in the 2026 NBA Draft.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The Chicago Bulls, a franchise steeped in championship history from the Michael Jordan era, have experienced a prolonged period of struggle and organizational change in recent years, culminating in a full-scale rebuild by mid-2026. After several seasons of failing to advance deep into the playoffs, the team's veteran-led roster proved unable to consistently compete in the Eastern Conference. The 2024-25 season saw the Bulls finish with a 39-43 record, securing a play-in berth but ultimately being eliminated by the Miami Heat.
The 2025-26 season marked a significant turning point. Despite a promising 5-0 start, their best since the 1996-97 season, the team quickly faltered, enduring a seven-game losing streak in late 2025 and a franchise-record 11-game losing streak in February 2026. This poor performance, coupled with significant injuries to key players like Josh Giddey, Coby White, and Zach Collins, prompted a drastic shift in strategy. At the February 2026 trade deadline, the Bulls executed a league-high seven trades, effectively dismantling their veteran core. Players such as Coby White, Nikola Vučević, Ayo Dosunmu, Kevin Huerter, Dalen Terry, Julian Phillips, and Emanuel Miller were traded away. In return, Chicago acquired a host of new talent including Jaden Ivey, Anfernee Simons, Collin Sexton, Rob Dillingham, Leonard Miller, Nick Richards, Guerschon Yabusele, and eight future second-round picks. The season concluded with a disappointing 31-51 record, placing them 12th in the Eastern Conference and missing the playoffs for the fourth straight year.
The consequences of these struggles led to a complete overhaul of the team's leadership. On April 6, 2026, Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Artūras Karnišovas and General Manager Marc Eversley were fired. Shortly thereafter, on April 21, 2026, Head Coach Billy Donovan stepped down, signaling the end of an era for the coaching staff. The Bulls moved quickly to reshape their front office, hiring Stephen Mervis as Senior Vice President of Basketball Operations and Acie Law IV as Vice President of Player Personnel in May 2026.
As of June 6, 2026, the Chicago Bulls are actively engaged in their rebuilding efforts. The team holds the No. 4 pick in the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft, a significant asset acquired after their original first-round pick moved up in the lottery. They are reportedly exploring options to trade up for the No. 1 pick, indicating a strong desire to secure a foundational talent. The search for a new head coach is also ongoing, with current assistant Wes Unseld Jr., Chris Quinn, and Micah Nori emerging as finalists to lead the young roster. The franchise is focused on a 'SLAP' philosophy (size, length, athleticism, and physicality) under new executive Bryson Graham, aiming to build a team capable of long-term success.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Chicago Bulls made different choices?